Breaking the Cycle of Suffering: Romantic Affairs (2026) – A Deep Dive into Women's Strength & Society's Grip

Monjul Baruah is one of the most thoughtful directors in today’s Assamese cinema. He often tells stories about women’s lives, patriarchy, and personal struggles. His earlier films like Kaaneen: A Secret Search (2019) (about hidden pasts and society's shadows), Antareen (2015), and the award-winning Anur: Eyes on the Sunshine (2023) (a moving story of loneliness and love in old age) show his love for real, deep storytelling. He questions strict rules in families, society, and the law.

            Romantic Affairs (2026) follows the same style. It deals with strong topics like a young girl’s right to control her own body, the pain of an unwanted pregnancy, pressure from traditional families, and how laws like the POCSO Act can sometimes go too far in cases of willing young love.

            The film shows the girl’s strong wish not to suffer like her mother under a strict father. It also shows the boy's simple wish to help her, and how both get trapped by hard rules and society. The boy's family, with his father as a respected priest, faces big shame and stress. This makes the movie a strong message against old, rigid ideas.

            Monjul Baruah tells stories slowly, with real feelings and inner pain. He shows how society and laws touch normal people's lives. Like his other films, he focuses on women's hurt, fight, and power against old traditions.

            The movie is long and ends without clear answers, which makes you think about it for a long time. It is not quick or simple, but it feels true and strong. Monjul Baruah again proves his talent for telling meaningful stories about real life in Assam. It is a good film for people who like deep social topics.

Editorial Note: The film Romantic Affairs' won three awards in the Indian Film category (Best Director: Monjul Baruah; Best Actress: Kasvi Sonkorison; and Jury Special Boloram Das) at the 22nd Third Eye Asian Film Festival-2026 held in Mumbai. The film was produced by Dr. Sanjeev Narayan and Dr. Akshata Narayan.)